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Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale
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About Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale
Scale Name
Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale
Author Details
William W.K. Zung
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) is a widely used psychological assessment tool developed by Dr. William Zung in 1965 to measure the level of depressive symptoms in individuals. This self-report questionnaire helps in identifying the severity of depression in clinical and research settings.
The SDS consists of 20 items, with responses measured on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from “a little of the time” (1) to “most of the time” (4). The questions cover key affective, psychological, and physiological symptoms of depression, including:
- Mood disturbances (e.g., feeling down, hopeless, or sad)
- Cognitive changes (e.g., negative thoughts, concentration difficulties)
- Somatic symptoms (e.g., sleep disturbances, appetite changes)
- Psychomotor changes (e.g., restlessness, fatigue)
The total score classifies depression into different severity levels:
- 20–44: Normal range
- 45–59: Mild depression
- 60–69: Moderate depression
- 70 and above: Severe depression
The SDS is frequently used in primary care, psychiatric evaluations, and mental health screenings, as it provides a quick and reliable measure of depressive symptoms. Although it does not replace clinical diagnosis, it aids professionals in assessing the need for further psychological intervention.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain a Copy: The SDS can be accessed through published psychological resources, mental health organizations, and clinical tools databases.
- Explain the Purpose: The SDS is used to measure the severity of depressive symptoms and helps in early detection and treatment planning for individuals experiencing mood disturbances.
- Provide Instructions: Participants are asked to rate how frequently they experience each symptom over the past two weeks, using a 4-point scale ranging from 1 (rarely) to 4 (most of the time).
- Approximate Time: 5–10 minutes to complete the questionnaire.
- Administer the Scale: The scale can be self-administered or completed in a clinical setting with the guidance of a mental health professional. The total score is calculated, and the severity of depression is determined based on the predefined cut-off scores.
Reliability and Validity
The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) has demonstrated high reliability and validity across multiple studies. It has an internal consistency reliability of Cronbach’s alpha > 0.80 and good test-retest reliability.
Studies have confirmed the SDS’s construct validity, correlating well with other depression assessment tools such as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). The scale has been validated in diverse populations and is frequently used in both clinical and epidemiological research.
Available Versions
20-Items
Reference
Zung, W. W. (1965). A self-rating depression scale. Archives of general psychiatry, 12(1), 63-70.
Biggs, J. T., Wylie, L. T., & Ziegler, V. E. (1978). Validity of the Zung self-rating depression scale. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 132(4), 381-385.
Dunstan, D. A., & Scott, N. (2020). Norms for Zung’s self-rating anxiety scale. BMC psychiatry, 20, 1-8.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale measure?
It measures the severity of depressive symptoms through a self-reported questionnaire.
Who can use the SDS?
It is widely used by mental health professionals, primary care physicians, and researchers for screening and monitoring depression.
Is the SDS a diagnostic tool?
No, it is not a diagnostic tool but helps identify depressive symptoms that may require further clinical evaluation.
How is the SDS scored?
Each item is scored from 1 to 4, and the total score determines the severity of depression.
Can the SDS be used for all age groups?
The SDS is mainly used for adults but has been adapted for adolescents in some studies.
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